THE BEET. 3 



the soil deeply and thoroughly over ; rake the surface smooth 

 and even ; and draw the drills across the bed, fourteen 

 inches apart, and about an inch and a half in depth. Sow 

 the seeds thickly enough to secure a plant for every two or 

 three inches, and cover to the depth of the drills. Should 

 the weather be warm and wet, the young plants will appear 

 in seven or eight days. When they are two inches in height, 

 they should be thinned to five or six inches apart ; extract- 

 ing the weaker, and filling vacant spaces by transplanting. 

 The after-culture consists simply in keeping the plants free 

 from weeds, and the earth in the spaces between the rows 

 loose and open by frequent hoeiugs. 



Taking the Crop. Roots, from the first sowings, will be 

 ready for use early in July ; from which time, until October, 

 the table may be supplied directly from the garden. They 

 should be drawn as fast as they attain a size fit for use ; which 

 will allow more time and space for the development of those 

 remaining. 



For winter use, the roots must be taken up before the 

 occurrence of heavy frosts, as severe cold not only greatly 

 impairs their quality, but causes them to decay at the crown. 



In harvesting, avoid cutting or bruising the skin ; and in 

 removing the leaves, be careful not to cut or wound the 

 crown. After being spread a few hours in the sun to dry, 

 they should be packed in earth or sand, slightly moist, and 

 stored out of reach of frost for the winter. 



If harvested before receiving injury from cold, and properly 

 packed, they will retain, in a good degree, their freshness 

 and sweetness until the new crop is suitable for use. 



Seed. To raise seed, select smooth and well-developed 

 roots, having the form, size, and color by which the pure 

 variety is distinguished ; and, in April, transplant them 

 eighteen inches or two feet apart, sinking the crowns to a 

 level with the surface of the ground. As the stalks increase 



